Helen J. McDonald

1931 - 2024

Helen James-McDonald

"Here we go!"

March 18, 1931 – July 16, 2024

Helen James- McDonald passed away peacefully at her beloved home Bluestone in Nevada City, California, on July 16th, 2024, at 3:10 a.m. She was a shining pillar of her community whose core value was bringing people together. The immense, positive impact she had on so many lives is immeasurable. To say she will be missed by her friends and family is a tremendous understatement.

Born Helen Louise James on March 18, 1931, in Chicago, Illinois, she was the only child of Florence A. Heitmann James and Raymond H. James. Helen loved her early childhood years and made life-long friends during high school. In 1953, she earned a Bachelors of Science degree in Political Science from Denison University and later attended Northwestern University. Following graduation, she moved to San Francisco, CA, and married J. Dean Parnell with whom she had three children. A devoted mother, she dedicated herself to raising her children in Hillsborough, CA. Along with mothering, she enjoyed theater and acting in productions of the Claypipers Theatre Group, and volunteered in many non-profit organizations such as Hospice and The League of Women Voters in San Mateo, CA.

In 1971, after her marriage dissolved, she discovered her passion and talent for bringing people together. Helen became an active participant in the holistic health field founding the Whole Life Center and School in Palo Alto, CA. She deeply believed in and promoted the healing arts and awareness practices. She moved to Nevada City in 1979 where she found her forever home and beloved community. She made her home a center for meditation, womens groups and healing circles. In 1989, she built and helped design her home Bluestone, an architectural gem with lovely water gardens, a retreat, sanctuary and meeting place for the community. In 1990, she married Bruce C. McDonald with whom she enjoyed 15 happy years until his passing in 2005. During their 15-year partnership, they traveled often. She was especially drawn to China, Stonehenge and New Mexico; as well as Paris and Hawaii where she felt a deep spiritual connection.

Helen had a deep appreciation of art and connection with nature. She saw and lived her life as a spiritual journey. She was inspired and enriched by many extraordinary spiritual teachers throughout her life in the Buddhist, Sufi and Native American traditions. Her enthusiasm and love for life never wavered.

Helen is survived by her children Laurel Parnell, and James (Jay) Parnell, and grandchildren: Etienne Perez-Parnell, Maya Fuller, Aren Vandenburgh, Jenifer Parnell, Blair Parnell and Heather Parnell; as well as great-grandchildren, Katya Kudrya, Avery Fuller, Ian Fuller, Samuel Vandenburgh, Kahlil Metters, Makai Beier, and Aurelia Davis. She is preceded in death by her husband, Bruce C. McDonald, daughter Cherie Vandenburgh and grandson Catono Perez.

Rest in beauty, joy and peace, dear Helen, mom, grandma, great-grandma, and friend.

There will be a Celebration of Life held at a date and place to be determined.